While most trainers evolve Scyther into Scizor immediately, the unevolved form has a niche with Eviolite boosting its defenses. Ground moves can't touch it, which offsets the 6 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Mantis Pokemon. The stat spread favors raw physical power.
Scyther's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Sp. Atk trails, 4 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 1 Attack EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
With ninja-like agility and speed, it can create the illusion that there is more than one.
Scyther Weakness
FragileScyther's Bug/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, Poison, and Flying moves. Rock hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Ground-type attacks completely.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Evolve Scyther into Kleavor directly. At 500 base stats, this Bug/Flying type doesn't need a breeding path.
How to Evolve
an item and an ability form the backbone. Scyther invests flexible EVs EVs to play its setup attacker role properly, and a nature nature pushes higher. Swords Dance handles the heavy lifting on offense. Normal coverage rounds it out.
Best Build
Best Scyther Moveset
- Swords Dance
- Slash
- Hyper Beam
- Quick Attack
Recommended Teammates
Without TMs, Scyther's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get Normal coverage on top of Bug and Flying STAB for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
You'll want mid-game access before hunting Scyther. Moderate rates across 3 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Best Locations
3 walking and gift spots at Lv. 23-28 for Scyther, all with tough odds. Lock in the highest-rate location from the list and grind it out.
Scyther isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Scizor to unlock its full potential. At 500 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Aerodactyl (Rock), Arcanine (Fire), and Jolteon (Electric) when using Scyther. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Aerodactyl is the most dangerous since Rock moves deal 4x damage. Ice, Poison, and Flying-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Scyther fills the setup sweeper role. It's a physical attacker with base 110 Attack. Base 105 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Scyther appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Scyther has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A